Studies at Halmstad University
Studying in Sweden might differ from studying in your home country. We know that there are some cultural differences that are good to prepare for prior to your stay in Sweden in order to succeed in your studies.
About the education
As an international student at Halmstad University, there might be a few things that are new to you when it comes to academic education and how the studies are being structured.
Self-studies
In Sweden you are in charge of your own studies to a large extent. As a full-time student, we expect you to spend 40 hours per week studying. Not all of this time will be spent in class with a teacher, you also need to prepare for a lot of self-studies. We advise you to make study groups together with your classmates.
Teamwork
Working together with classmates from different cultures to solve a task or writing a paper is a part of your academic studies in Sweden. This might be challenging at times but will be a valuable experience when building your career.
Teamwork is an important part of the education in Sweden and Halmstad University.
Academic writing
In Sweden, we have set rules on how to write academic papers, where it is specifically important to reference sources of information in a correct way. When using another author’s text, this needs to be either rephrased or put into quotation marks. This way of writing can be quite complex in the beginning and we advise you to learn the system correctly at an early stage in your study period. There is support to get from the Study Support Centre.
Equality and critical thinking
Sweden is founded on democracy where everyone has the same right to give their opinion. This principle is present in all parts of the society and plays an important role in the academic world, where discussions are encouraged. Don’t be surprised if the teacher asks you for your opinion during class as this is a way of involving the students and developing critical thinking.
Grading systems
At Halmstad University we do not use ECTS grades or GPA. Instead we use one of the following grading systems with their respective gradings:
- Pass or Fail
- VG, G, U (Fail)
- 5, 4, 3, U (Fail)
- A, B, C, D, E, F (Fail)
All of the above grades are in descending order.
Help and support
As a student at Halmstad University, you have access to several support functions and services in connection to your studies and general well-being.
Student Healthcare Centre
Do you have any questions regarding your physical or mental health? You are always welcome to talk to the Student Healthcare Centre if you have something on your mind related to your studies or general health.
Learning support
In case you have a disability which affects your studies, there is extra support available during your study period. Contact us prior to starting your studies and let us help you in finding suitable solutions.
Service Center
At Service Center you can get support with most things related to the University and your studies. Ask about registration, admission, examination, graduation, certificates or how to find your way around campus.
Study Support Centre
When you need different types of student support, you can turn to the Study Support Centre. You can for example get help with spelling and grammar through the Study Support Centre.
Study and career counselling
If you’re unsure of your choice of education or if you want to discuss your future career plans, you are welcome to talk with one of our student counsellors at the Student Affairs Department.
The University Library
At the library you can find a lot of useful tools during your studies such as literature, journals, reference citing books and various data bases. The building also offers a relaxed study environment.
The student incubator – H5 Student
Do you dream of starting your own company? H5 Student is a business incubator which helps students with coaching and business plans for their entrepreneurial ideas. Even if you don’t have your own business idea, H5 Student can connect you with entrepreneurs in need of your skills.
Degree levels
The following degrees are offered at Halmstad University.
First level
University Diploma, 120 HE credits (two years)
Degree of Bachelor, 180 HE credits (three years)
In Sweden, a Bachelor’s Degree requires 180 Swedish higher education credits (HE credits) at first level, of which at least 90 credits with increasingly in-depth studies have to be in the main field of study. The main field of study must also include a diploma project of 15 credits.
In order to get accepted to first level studies, a student needs to have a completed programme in the upper-secondary school or the equivalent and fulfil the specified admission requirements.
Second level
Halmstad University offers both One Year and Two Years Master’s degrees and all our degrees are fully recognised internationally.
Degree of Master (One Year), 60 HE credits
A Swedish Degree of Master (One Year) requires 60 Swedish higher education credits, of which 30 credits have to be within the main field of study. The main field of study must include one independent thesis of 15 credits.
Degree of Master (Two Years), 120 HE credits
A Swedish Degree of Master (Two Years) requires 120 Swedish higher education credits, of which 60 credits have to be within the main field of study. The main field of study must include one independent thesis of 30 credits.
In order to get accepted to the second level, a student needs to hold a Bachelor’s Degree of at least 180 Swedish higher education credits or an equivalent foreign degree and fulfil the specified admission requirements.
Student Experience and Employability Programme
The SEEP programme is an extracurricular programme with the aim to prepare international students for the Swedish labour market. Boost your career in Sweden by leveraging your strengths and expanding your network.
Why take part in the programme?
By taking part in the Student Experience and Employability Programme (SEEP) you will create a unique opportunity to prepare yourself for a future career in Sweden by learning the language, understanding the working culture, preparing an attractive resume and expanding your network with local employers and University partners. For your personal development, you will connect with like-minded international students which will further enhance your student experience at Halmstad University.
Reasons to join the programme
- Increase the prospect of finding a job in Sweden
- Learn Swedish to boost your chances and networking opportunities
- Understand the Swedish culture, traditions and norms in the workplace
- Build a network of young professionals as well as company representatives
- Get a toolbox to build your own capacity and successful career!
Upon a successful completion of SEEP you will receive a certificate that is valuable for your professional CV.
Who can apply?
If you are an International student studying in the final year of a one or two-year master programme, you are welcome to apply for the Student Experience and Employability Programme. A maximum of 30 students will be accepted. Next application period will be in September 2020.
How long will I be part of the programme?
The programme starts in September and ends in May the following year. Each admitted student will be expected to spend approximately 4 hours per week on programme related work.
Programme plan
The sessions included in the programme are non-credited and will take place during late afternoons/evenings/weekends. The programme is divided into several sessions dealing with specific topics in different periods throughout the academic year. At the end of the programme you will be fully equipped with tools to find your own internship in the direction of your future career.
Collaboration opportunities
Are you a company interested in hosting an internship for one of our students? Read more below.
Collaboration opportunities (In Swedish)
